As well as Australia, cockatoos can be found in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands and the Philippines. Of the Australian species,
Cockatoos are a family of large, long-lived and very noisy parrots with moveable crests. Australia is home to 14 species with others also found in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands and the Philippines.
Cockatoos are nonmigratory, and their native habitat is restricted to Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and the Philippines.
The White cockatoo is a native of the Indonesian islands of Northern and Central Moluccas (aka Maluku Islands), specifically, the islands of Bacan, Kasiruta, Halmahera, Tidore, Ternate, and Mandioli. They also live on the islands of Obi and Bisa, but it is thought that these birds are escaped pets.
Sulphur–crested cockatoos arrived in New Zealand as caged birds from Australia. Since about 1920 some have escaped and others have been released. Possibly this feral population is occasionally boosted with wind–blown stragglers from Australia.
The kiwi is a unique and curious bird: it cannot fly, has loose, hair-like feathers, strong legs and no tail. Learn more about the kiwi, the national icon of New Zealand and unofficial national emblem.
The Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) is a black and white passerine bird native to Australia and southern New Guinea. Although once considered to be three separate species, it is now considered to be one, with nine recognised subspecies.
The red-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii) also known as Banksian- or Banks' black cockatoo, is a large black cockatoo native to Australia.
Natural history
Cockatoos originate from the Indonesian Islands, Australia, and New Guinea, depending on the species. Habitats range from woodlands and open forest to coastal plains. Cockatoos are listed in Appendix I of the CITES list.
Distribution and habitat
The Tanimbar corella is restricted to the islands of Tanimbar in Indonesia; a few feral escapees are found in Singapore. Cockatoos have a much more restricted range than the true parrots, occurring naturally only in Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and some Pacific regions.
Experts say parrots probably do not understand meanings of most words. However, they are aware of the context surrounding words and can make associations with the words.
The maximal lifespan of the white cockatoo is poorly documented. A few zoos report that they live 40–60 years in captivity. Anecdotal reports suggest it can live longer. Lifespan in the wild is unknown but believed to be as much as ten years less.
Dacelo novaeguineae
The laughing kookaburra is native to eastern mainland Australia, but has also been introduced to parts of New Zealand, Tasmania, and Western Australia.
Carnaby's black-cockatoo is a Commonwealth endangered species under the EPBC Act, and is also 'Specially protected fauna' under the WA Wildlife Conservation Act. In Western Australia, the Carnaby's cockatoo is considered 'likely to become extinct' in the wild.
The galah is adapted to a wide variety of modified and unmodified habitats and is one of Australia's most abundant and widespread bird species. The species is endemic to mainland Australia.
There are many different names across Aboriginal languages: "biliirr" (Gamilaraay), "wayimaa" (Wiradjuri); "gehr" (Bundjalung), "kakalyalya" (Warlpiri) and "carapii" (Biripi). "Cockatoo", however, is thought to come from the Dutch word "kaketoe", which is a Eurocised adaptation from the Malay word, "kakatua".
Description: A "crackle" of cockatoos*. No doubt that's the sound they make when they're eating your house!... but crackle it is, and that's the correct collective noun for a group of cockatoos! If ever there's a book written about birds behaving badly in Australia, then cockies will be on the front cover, guaranteed!
All cockatoos in Australia are protected species and a permit is required from the National Parks and Wildlife Service before any control measures can be undertaken.
Crows and ravens are part of the Corvidae family of Australian native birds. There are six members of the family found in Australia – three are called crows and three ravens, although there is very little difference between them and they look very similar.
Australian Magpies are strongly territorial and defend their territories both from other magpies as well as potential predators. Unfortunately, some individual magpies perceive humans as a potential threat and accordingly, swoop down with a fast warning flight, occasionally making contact.
If a magpie has ever swooped on you, you might find this next part hard to believe. It turns out magpies can and do, form friendships with humans – and not just when they want food.
Birds are not usually this loud and harsh. The flowers provide one reason why. Far more nectar is available to birds in Australia than on other continents; it's a rich resource, worth fighting over, and harsh cries assert possession.
Emu is Australia's national bird.